Why Hainan Island Is A Golfer’s Hidden Treasure

‍

When it comes to keeping a golfing gem a well-kept secret Hainan Island was exactly that with its magnificent courses, 5-star hotels and resorts, stunning locations and a very different cultural experience. However that is changing and changing quickly now that the tropical Island has come to the attention of the Australia and International golfer. Located in the southernmost province of China and just an hour's flight away from Hong Kong, Hainan Island is not only the perfect location for your golf trip it is also becoming a great family holiday destination.

Known for its tropical climate and mountainous scenery, Hainan is surrounded by coastline and stunning beaches. Unlike the China many may perceive, Hainan is separate from the mainland and has its own unique charm; the two main cities, Haikou and Sanya, have plenty to offer all travelers. With Haikou in the North and Sanya in the South you can travel between the two by the very modern fast train or take a drive and meander down the coast. On the way you will come across a growing number of beach resorts with their luxury and medium standard hotels, world class golf courses offering golf that only this Island location can provide and some incredibly beautiful Hot Spring Mountain retreats courtesy of the Islands volcanic heritage.

‍

‍

Mission Hills Haikou Resort

‍

The most prominent of all golf options is the 10-course Mission Hills Haikou resort recognised by the Guinness book of records as the world's largest golf resort, though you wouldn't know it due to the complexes layout. Carved into lava bedrock base the 10 courses are separated into 2 locations with 3 courses at the main hotel and club house, an 18 hole Par 3 course just a 5 minute drive away with the remaining 6 courses a short 15 minute ride away and which are serviced by another beautiful club house. The incredible courses include the renowned Blackstone course, where the Professionals played the World Cup of Golf, the infamous Tiger/Rory challenge and the World Celebrity Golf Challenge.

Then there is Stone Quarry, arguably up there with Blackstone for beauty as well as providing its own special golf experience due to its old mining theme that runs through the 18 holes. The resort itself is just east of a 108sq km national geological park built around the crater of an extinct volcano this allowed Mission Hills to create its own very special Mineral Springs facility. All CGE guests receive complimentary access to the 168 mineral spring pools and the superb lagoon pool with its water them park. Then there is the newly opened Wet 'N Wild water park a 5 minute complementary shuttle ride away, together with Centreville Mall host to the very unique NBA and Barcelona FC interactive museums. Nearby Movie Town provides a great insight into the world of Chinese Movies and life in old China.

‍

‍

A Selection of Chinas Best Golf Courses and Resorts

‍

As you make your way down to Sanya there are a multitude of golf courses which deserve time for a round. One of the World's best and China's Number 1 golf course Shanqin Bay (only possible when invited by a member) and BFA International are located near Bo'Ao where world leaders meet every year for a summit. Then the stunning Sheraton/Dunes complex at Shenzhou that boasts two outstanding Tom Weiskopf designed courses, The Dunes East and West along the South China Sea. This modern resort features a world class spa, outdoor pools and dining options including casual style and the wonderful Chinese Yue restaurant. Further down the coast is Blue Bay home of the world televised LPGA tournament, then as you approach Sanya the beautiful Haitang Peninsula Country club providing stunning views over the coast and inland. Once in Sanya take your pick from Dragon Valley, Yalong Bay, Sun Valley, Deer looking backwards and many more.

You won't be short of scenery or day trips wherever you stay such as Old street and the relatively new Hainan Museum in Haikou, the Li peoples village just a 40 minute ride from the Sheraton Shenzhou, the world class Qixianling Hot Springs and its 2 nearby Mountain theme golf courses located in Baoting county a 1hr 40 minute drive from the Sheraton.

‍

‍

Atlantis Beachside Resort at Haitang Bay

‍

To top off a great family holiday there is no better place to stay than the newly opened and truly astonishing Atlantis beachside resort at Haitang Bay. While the magnificent complex with a huge water theme park has so much to offer the more breathtaking views can be found indoors with the huge aquarium and diverse viewing locations. Whether in the restaurants, wandering through the lost chambers Aquarium or even when staying in one of the many rooms with direct aquarium windows the children will be amazed and transfixed. They won't even miss you if you play 18 holes at Haitang Bay which is just 30 minutes away.

‍

‍

A Hidden Gem

‍

This up and coming destination has so much to offer the golfer and family alike, definitely a place to consider for your golf trip with mates or golf club or you want somewhere different for a family golf holiday. After hosting the first PGA of Australia Pro-Am at Mission Hills Haikou in April 2019 we surveyed the 127 people including 120 golfers of which 30 were club Pro's. An astounding 50% of all participants had not heard of Mission Hills Haikou before, almost 70% were unaware of the golf available on Hainan Island, almost 90% had not been to Mission Hills before and 94% said they would definitely return with family, friends or members of their golf club, a great reference if you were considering such a trip.

‍

‍

Best time of year to visit

‍

Since it is a tropical climate, it averages at around 25 degrees though it can be hot, much like Port Douglas and Cairns, between June and mid October. To avoid monsoon season, the best months to visit Hainan are from October to May.

At CGE Golf, we offer a wide range of golf trips and can arrange an amazing family holiday package which includes the Atlantis resort. Contact us today and discover the trip of a lifetime.

‍